Alterna Comics announced on World Down Syndrome Awareness Day, which took place on March 21, the release of a 10 page teaser issue for the upcoming graphic novel Metaphase which will be released on comiXology. Break out writer Chip Reece‘s creation is visually realized by the mega talents of artist Kelly Williams to give you a taste of what’s to come! Metaphase is a story about self discovery and living with Down Syndrome, wrapped in an exciting super-hero shell!

What happens when a son’s quest for power leads to the destruction of his father, the world’s strongest superhero? Metaphase is a graphic novel about Ollie, a boy with Down Syndrome who just wants to be “super” too. If it wasn’t hard enough sizing himself up with the most average of human strength, Ollie has grown up with a front row seat to the upper extreme of the physical spectrum! Incredibly, an opportunity may exist that could get him the power he desires…

Powers, Inc. is a company looking for volunteers to test their controversial and experimental chromosome treatment. This process promises to give super powers to anyone who wants them…or so it seems. As with any scheme that sounds too good to be true, there are sinister motives…ones that directly involve destroying the greatest superhero of all time, Ollie’s dad!

In 2010 Chip’s son Oliver was born with Down Syndrome as well as two congenital heart defects. Besides the monumental achievement of surviving three open heart surgeries, this little fella also spent over seven months in the hospital, and had a tracheotomy and feeding tube inserted to improve his chances of survival. Inspired by his son’s strength despite these odds, seeds were planted in this long time comic book fan’s mind to spin a tale that would spotlight just how spectacular individual’s with Down Syndrome are!